Blizzard warnings mount as fierce snowstorm hits US
Deutsche Welle
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A powerful winter storm has brought blizzard conditions to the northeastern United States, affecting millions of people across New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and other states. The National Weather Service (NWS) warned of heavy snowfall—up to 1 to 2 feet in some areas—and dangerous wind speeds, making travel "extremely treacherous." A state of emergency was declared in several states, including New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. Travel bans were implemented across much of the region, schools and businesses closed, and thousands of flights were canceled as the storm disrupted daily life.
The storm hit New York City particularly hard on Sunday evening, with visibility dropping to 400 meters or less in some areas. Mayor Zohran Mamdani imposed a non-emergency travel ban for streets from 9 pm ET until Monday noon. The severe weather also led to widespread power outages, with at least 22,895 customers without power in New Jersey alone by Monday evening. Officials urged residents to stay off the roads and avoid unnecessary travel, as emergency services struggled to cope with the storm's impact.
In New Jersey, Governor Mikie Sherrill declared a state of emergency midday Sunday, freeing up funds and resources to address the crisis. Boston and other cities also shut down public schools and municipal buildings, while Broadway shows in New York City were canceled. The storm is expected to bring coastal flooding and further power outages, with forecasters warning of prolonged disruptions.
This severe winter storm highlights the challenges posed by extreme weather events, not only disrupting daily life but also straining emergency response systems. For international readers, it underscores the importance of preparedness for such crises and the potential global impacts of severe weather conditions. The situation in the northeastern U.S. serves as a reminder of how quickly nature can alter everyday routines and require coordinated efforts to manage its consequences.
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/23/2026